Convicted Trump Assassination Plotter Ryan Routh Attempts Self-Harm in Court After Guilty Verdict

Ryan Routh, the man convicted of attempting to assassinate President Donald J. Trump last year, tried to stab himself in the neck with a pen in the courtroom immediately after the guilty verdict was announced.

Court officials say U.S. Marshals quickly restrained Routh before he could seriously harm himself; the pen only left superficial marks on his neck and there was no significant injury.

Routh, 59, who represented himself during the trial, had just been convicted on all five counts related to the foiled assassination plot against President Trump at his West Palm Beach golf course in September 2024.

The chaotic scene unfolded as members of the jury were still present in the courtroom. Routh’s daughter, Sara, shouted in distress as her father was subdued and removed by marshals, criticizing the verdict and insisting he had not hurt anyone.

The judge soon brought Routh back into the courtroom under restraint to formally announce his sentencing date, set for December 18, where he faces a possible life prison term.

The trial concluded swiftly, with prosecutors presenting extensive evidence of Routh’s premeditation and intent, while Routh argued he never intended to kill and lacked the capacity for violence.